Just recently, people converged on southern California for the 2010 San Diego Asian Film Fest, where several Asian American actors sat on a panel to talk about their roles in Hollywood. Participants included Harry Shum Jr. (Glee and LXD), C.S. Lee (Dexter), Ellen Wong (Scott Pilgrim vs the World), Aaron Yoo (Disturbia, Friday the 13th), and Daniel Dae Kim (Lost) with moderators Leonardo Nam (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) and Kevin Iwashina (former agent).

There are some good insights about the need to tell stories that are humanist, and not racialist: Asians simply playing “regular characters” — as opposed to the geisha or computer hacker, for example. Channel APA offers a helpful summary:

They also talk about roles for Asian Americans, being a triple threat (acting, producing, and having unique talent), and creating your own opportunities. You’d be surprised at what roles the panelists want to have along with the importance of Asian American filmmakers. When you delve into this career, be prepared for your parents reaction.